What is Implicit Differentiation for a Circle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative dy/dx for the equation of a circle given in implicit form: (x-a)² + (y-b)² = r². The original poster expresses interest in using implicit differentiation to achieve this.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of implicit differentiation, with one suggesting a simplification by setting a=b=0 to derive dy/dx. Others question the necessity of this simplification and discuss the implications of needing the values of a and b for their specific applications.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various attempts to clarify the differentiation process and its applications. Some participants provide guidance on the differentiation steps while others express a desire for a more complex approach. There is no explicit consensus on the best method to proceed, but multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the use of mathematical software for visual representation, indicating that the context may involve practical applications beyond theoretical differentiation. There is also a discussion about the necessity of calculus for drawing normal lines to the circle.

MPZ
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Homework Statement


Hello
I have this circle with the equation : [/B]
(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2=r^2
I want to find dy/dx for it

2. Homework Equations
(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2=r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I am looking on the internet and it appears that I should use what is called "Implicit differentiation", can anyone use "Implicit differentiation for this circle please, thanks!
 
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Hi,
Keep it simple and set a=b=0 . If you differentiate ##x^2+y^2 = r^2## you get ##2xdx+2ydy=0## so ##\displaystyle {{dy\over dx}= -{x\over y}}## which can be checked easily.

PS is this homework ?
 
BvU said:
Hi,
Keep it simple and set a=b=0 . If you differentiate ##x^2+y^2 = r^2## you get ##2xdx+2ydy=0## so ##\displaystyle {{dy\over dx}= -{x\over y}}## which can be checked easily.

PS is this homework ?
this is not a homework, i am trying to use a mathematical software to draw images using mathematical equations :) Can you please tell me a way to not "keep it simple" since i need the values of a and b since I can't draw it that small!
 
MPZ said:
this is not a homework
Fair enough.
MPZ said:
not "keep it simple"
The idea was to make it easier to understand, so that you would be able to complicate things on your own. Same differentiation on ##(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2 = r^2## gives you ##2(x-a)dx+2(y-b)dy=0## which is not very surprising if you see it as a translation of the origin to ##(a,b)##.

MPZ said:
draw images using mathematical equations
Can you elaborate? Give an example why you need ##dy\over dx## ?
 
BvU said:
Fair enough.
The idea was to make it easier to understand, so that you would be able to complicate things on your own. Same differentiation on ##(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2 = r^2## gives you ##2(x-a)dx+2(y-b)dy=0## which is not very surprising if you see it as a translation of the origin to ##(a,b)##.

Can you elaborate? Give an example why you need ##dy\over dx## ?
are you a detective? LOOL. I need the derivative because from it I can get the slope of the normal at any point since I want to find the equation of multiple normal lines at different points to draw "the hair" of the thing I am drawing. No more questions please with this sort
 
You hardly need calculus and derivatives for that. The normal lines to a circle are radius lines. Straight lines through the center.
 
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Here's a sample written in Maple:
> restart; with(plots);
> circle := plot([cos(theta), sin(theta), theta = 0 .. 2*Pi], color = black, axes = none, thickness = 2):
> hair := seq(plot([r*cos((1/3)*Pi+(1/36)*k*Pi), r*sin((1/3)*Pi+(1/36)*k*Pi), r = 1 .. 1.2], thickness = 2), k = 0 .. 12);
> display({hair}, circle);
HairyCircle.jpg

Maybe that will give you some ideas.
 

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